18 December 2024, Putrajaya

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is raising the bar for rail transportation in Southeast Asia by becoming the first in the region to implement the LTE-Railway (LTE-R) communications network powered by 4G technology. This advanced system promises faster, more reliable communication, underscoring ECRL’s dedication to innovation and excellence.

The RM50.27 billion ECRL project includes the acquisition of state-of-the-art Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains and Electric Locomotives (E-Loco) to serve passenger and cargo needs. The six-car EMU trains, crafted by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian, will carry up to 430 passengers per trip. They are thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, offering wheelchair-friendly seating and spaces for passengers requiring special assistance.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke introduced the striking EMU train design, which combines sleek white and blue tones with intricate batik motifs, a tribute to Malaysia’s cultural heritage. A total of 11 six-car EMU trains will be delivered, with the first set expected to arrive by the end of 2025. These trains will operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, enabling passengers to travel from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal in just four hours when commercial operations begin in January 2027.

Cargo services will also benefit from enhanced efficiency by introducing 12 E-Loco units. To support local expertise and involvement, two units will be assembled at the ECRL depot in Kuantan Port City as part of a technology transfer initiative.

The ECRL project aligns seamlessly with Malaysia’s sustainable transport policies. By shifting freight and passenger movement to rail, the initiative will help reduce road traffic, cut costs, enhance safety, and contribute to a greener environment.

With the first EMU and E-Loco sets arriving in late 2025, the ECRL is well on its way to transforming Malaysia’s transportation landscape while setting new benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.

28 November 2024

The launch of the 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report by China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) marked a significant milestone for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. The ceremony united key leaders and stakeholders to celebrate the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

The report highlights CCC-ECRL’s dedication to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and fostering positive societal impacts along the ECRL project’s expansive alignment. Under the banner of “Connecting Lives and Accelerating Growth,” CCC-ECRL is not just constructing a railway but shaping a sustainable future. The ESG Report 2023 showcases the company’s success in environmental conservation, governance transparency, and community engagement.

As a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the ECRL exemplifies the principles of joint consultation, co-construction, and shared benefits. It serves as a catalyst for closer cooperation between China and Malaysia, bridging policy frameworks, infrastructure connectivity, and cultural exchange. The project further strengthens regional ties, boosts local economies, and fosters mutual prosperity, establishing itself as a model for international collaboration.

The ECRL project continues to embody CCC-ECRL’s vision of infrastructure that transcends its functional purpose. By fostering regional integration and creating long-lasting positive impacts, the project is set to benefit future generations. The ESG Report 2023 serves as a testament to the company’s achievements and a roadmap for the future—where innovation, sustainability, and community development come together to redefine infrastructure excellence.

21 November 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Project, Section 8 (Gombak-Serendah), organized an impactful tree-planting event under its “S8 Grow Project,” held at Zoo Negara. The initiative brought together participants, in a meaningful effort to promote environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The program started with an opening briefing by Ms. Ummu Atiah, representing Zoo Negara, who outlined the event’s objectives and importance. Safety guidelines were also emphasized to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The S8 Grow Project is more than just a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative; it is a testament to ECRL Section 8’s dedication to building a sustainable future. By inviting staffs, partners, and the community, the project fosters environmental awareness, teamwork, and a sense of collective responsibility.

Tree planting is a tangible action with long-term benefits. It combats climate change, enhances biodiversity, and supports ecosystems. For Zoo Negara, the project contributes to its mission of preserving Malaysia’s unique flora and fauna.

“Together, we plant hope for a greener tomorrow.”

29 October 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project today celebrated a significant milestone with the ECRL Gombak Tunnel Breakthrough ceremony, marking the successful completion of the tunnel’s excavation. The event was officiated by Selangor Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, and attended by prominent figures including Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Darwis Abdul Razak, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) Managing Director, Kong Qi, Selangor State Executive Councillors, and senior officials from the ECRL Project.  

The Gombak Tunnel, which achieved its breakthrough a month ahead of schedule, is the 36th ECRL tunnel to be successfully excavated. The final blast at the tunnel’s entrance portal broke through the last barrier, signifying the successful completion of the excavation process.   

Excavation works for the Gombak Tunnel commenced in June 2023 and were initially scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024. All related civil works for the tunnel are expected to be fully completed by March 2025.  

The successful completion of the Gombak Tunnel is a significant step forward in the ECRL project, bringing the nation closer to realizing the benefits of a modern and efficient rail network. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of all involved and reinforces the commitment to delivering a project that will benefit Malaysia for generations to come.

24 October 2024

The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) celebrated a major milestone with the Bentong Tunnel 2 Breakthrough Ceremony at Section 7. This event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dato Sri Darwis, CEO of Malaysia Rail Link Sdn. Bhd (MRL), CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr. Kong Qi, and key project leaders.

Bentong Tunnel 2 is the last conventional drill-and-blast tunnel in Section 7, marking a pivotal achievement for the ECRL project. With the completion of this tunnel, 35 out of the 39 tunnels along the entire ECRL alignment are now finished. This milestone represents the full completion of conventional tunnels in Sections A, B, and C1, clearing the way for the next critical phase – track-laying.

The tunnel’s construction presented several challenges, including a shallow burial depth of just 13 meters and difficult geological conditions of mudstone, sandstone, silt, and isolated rocks. Overcoming these obstacles highlights the resilience and expertise of the construction teams.

In recognition of the workers’ dedication, a special appreciation ceremony was held, where food and drinks were distributed to the tunnel workers, underscoring the project’s commitment to valuing every contribution.

With this breakthrough, the ECRL project moves closer to completion, promising to deliver this vital infrastructure on schedule.

4 September 2024

In a significant milestone for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, we had the distinct honor of welcoming the Menteri Besar of Terengganu, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri bin Mokhtar, to our stations in Chukai and Kemasik. This visit marks a momentous occasion as the Menteri Besar took the opportunity to witness firsthand the progress being made on this transformative infrastructure project.

Upon arriving at the Chukai and Kemasik ECRL stations, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri was briefed on the current status of construction, the challenges faced, and the future milestones that will pave the way for the successful completion of the project. During his tour of the construction sites, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri emphasized the state government’s commitment to supporting infrastructure developments that will benefit the people of Terengganu. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to ensure the timely and successful completion of the ECRL project.

The ECRL is set to be a game-changer for Terengganu, and the visit of the Menteri Besar underscores its importance to the state. The ECRL project will not only enhance connectivity between the East Coast and other parts of Malaysia but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth, bringing new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout Terengganu.

15 August 2024

Klang, we embarked on a meaningful CSR program, a testament to our commitment to environmental sustainability, combined river cleanup efforts with educational outreach, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility and action within the community. 

The day unfolded with a boat ride to Sungai Klang, where we engaged in a hands-on water quality monitoring session, gaining valuable insights into the river’s health. This was followed by a visit to Interceptor 002 and 005, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our waterways. Our journey continued with a mangrove cleanup and replanting initiative, where participants actively contributed to restoring this vital ecosystem. These activities not only served to improve the immediate environment but also served as a powerful educational experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the impact of human activities on their health.

This event was a platform to foster community engagement and create a collective sense of ownership over Sungai Klang. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, we aimed to bridge the gap between environmental awareness and action, fostering a deeper understanding of the river’s importance and our responsibility for protecting it.

19 June 2024

Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China’s Premier Li Qiang attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak Integrated Terminal station, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.

Premier Li emphasized the strong relationship between the two nations, highlighting the new blueprint for China-Malaysia relations developed by Prime Minister Anwar and Chinese President Xi Jinping. “Standing at a new historical starting point, China-Malaysia friendship is like this continuous railway track, spanning mountains and seas, with a promising future,” he said. He encouraged both nations to seize opportunities and expand cooperation in various sectors, including policy communication, trade, financial integration, and cultural exchanges.

The ECRL, set for completion by the end of 2026, will traverse Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, significantly enhancing Malaysia’s transportation network. The 20-station line is expected to boost connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the region.

Premier Li’s visit to Malaysia, his first since taking office in March 2023, reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, promising continued cooperation and mutual development.

The ceremony ended with optimism for the future, as both nations looked forward to the completion of the ECRL and the numerous benefits it will bring.

9 June 2024

YBHG. Dato’ Ruslin bin Jusoh, Director General of Immigration Malaysia, graced our ECRL Kuantan site with his esteemed delegation, embarking on a journey of discovery and insight into our ongoing projects. Their visit was marked by a meaningful schedule: a comprehensive project site briefing at section 10, a visit to the Control and Reporting Centre of Communications (CROCC) with a detailed presentation by Mr. Wu LiZhu, the dedicated General Manager of Section 10 from CCC.

The delegation’s experience was further enriched by a short, but thrilling ride on a track rail car, where they had a firsthand encounter with the completed railway infrastructure at Kuantan Port City. To cap off their visit, they explored the intricate construction work at the Kuantan Tunnel, witnessing the dedication and expertise that go into shaping the landscape of modern transportation infrastructure. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for taking the time to engage with our projects, as their insights and observations are invaluable contributions to our ongoing journey of development and progress. Thank you for your visit, and here’s to continued collaboration and growth in our shared pursuits.

9 May 2024

At a ceremony today, China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC-ECRL) launched the ECRL system construction phase, marking a significant advancement in the project’s timeline. This phase, which includes electrification, traction power supply, overhead catenary system, signaling and telecommunication systems, represents the final stage of construction before testing and commissioning. These systems are essential components of modern railway infrastructure, serving as the backbone for safe, efficient, and reliable train operations.

The commencement ceremony was attended by over 60 VIPs and distinguished guests including CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Mr Kong Qi, CCC-ECRL’s Deputy Project Director cum Chief Engineer Mr Deng Bo, CCC-ECRL’s Deputy Project General Manager Mr Chen XuTao, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) Project Director Noor Azlan Bin Salleh, representatives from various sections and etc.

The telecommunication system of the ECRL is built on the LTE-R standard, leading the way in wireless telecommunications for extensive railway networks. Furthermore, the signaling system utilizes the CTCS-2 train control system, known for its advanced features and reliability. These systems enable seamless data exchange between trains and the track, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring reliable train tracking and prioritizing the safety of train operations.

Expressing gratitude to MRL, associates and colleagues, CCC-ECRL’s Managing Director Kong Qi emphasized the project’s commitment to creating a high-standard, sustainable railway system for the East Coast of Malaysia. As the ‘Number One Project’ of China Communications Construction Group, the ECRL project aligns with the philosophy of ‘Connecting Lives, Accelerating Growth’. The aim is to construct a green, fast, comfortable, and high-quality railway network that contributes to the socioeconomic development of the region. With a focus on excellence, safety, and environmental sustainability, the project team is dedicated to making the ECRL System Construction phase a benchmark for quality and reliability.